VIA Rail is Canada’s national passenger rail service, offering scenic and comfortable train travel across the country. From the bustling cities of the Quebec-Windsor Corridor to the rugged landscapes of Western Canada, VIA Rail provides a unique way to experience Canada’s diverse geography.
A VIA Rail schedule is a detailed timetable that outlines departure and arrival times, train frequencies, and key stops along each route. Whether planning a short city-to-city commute or an epic cross-country adventure, understanding these schedules is essential for smooth and enjoyable travel.
At Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada, we design personalized train trips that align with VIA Rail’s schedules, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Our local travel experts create trip itineraries that include activities, accommodations, transfers, and sightseeing stops, as well as the train journeys.
Below are examples of what VIA Rail train timetables might look like. Since timetables can change, it’s essential to check schedules in advance to ensure the best travel experience.
VIA Rail The Canadian schedule and VIA Rail The Ocean schedule are as follows:
Train departs Toronto on Wednesdays and Sundays
|
Day 1 |
Toronto, ON |
9:55am |
|
Day 2 |
Winnipeg, MB |
7:30pm-9:30pm |
|
Day 3 |
Saskatoon, SK |
9:50am-10:50am |
|
Edmonton, AB |
8:50pm-12am |
|
|
Day 4 |
Jasper, AB |
6:30am-9:30am |
|
Day 5 |
Vancouver, BC |
8am |
Train departs Vancouver on Mondays and Fridays
|
Day 1 |
Vancouver, BC |
3pm |
|
Day 2 |
Jasper, AB |
11am-12:30pm |
|
Edmonton, AB |
6:50pm-7:50pm |
|
|
Day 3 |
Saskatoon, SK |
6am-7am |
|
|
Winnipeg, MB |
10pm-11:30pm |
|
Day 5 |
Toronto, ON |
2:30pm |
Train departs Montreal on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
|
Day 1 |
Montreal, QC |
6:30pm |
|
Sainte-Foy, QC |
9:40pm-10:15pm | |
|
Day 2 |
Campbellton, NB |
7:30am |
|
Moncton, NB |
1:30pm-2pm | |
|
Halifax, NS |
6pm |
Train departs Halifax on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
|
Day 1 |
Halifax, NS |
11:30am |
|
Moncton, NB |
3:45pm | |
|
|
Campbellton, NB |
10pm-10:20pm |
|
Day 2 |
Sainte-Foy, QC |
6:10am-6:30am |
|
Montreal, QC |
9:50am |
The Corridor has multiple daily train departures. There are different trains that make up the Corridor network, meaning that a change of trains may be required on some journeys. The main cities and routes are listed below; however, these trains stop at many other towns and destinations along the way.
Ottawa – Montreal – Sainte Foy – Quebec
Quebec – Sainte Foy – Montreal – Ottawa
Montreal – Kingston – Toronto
Toronto – Kingston – Montreal
Toronto – Kingston – Ottawa
Ottawa – Kingston – Montreal
Toronto – London – Windsor
Windsor – London – Toronto
Toronto – London – Sarnia
Sarnia – London – Toronto
Insider Tip: Allow Extra Time for a Stress-Free Travel Experience
I recommend making sure you have lots of time between your train’s arrival/departure and any connecting flights, hotel check-ins, or tour activities — you’ll have a more relaxed trip if you don’t have to rush from one place to another.
Hannah Poaros-McDermottTravel Writer and Senior Content Coordinator
VIA Rail operates multiple routes across Canada, connecting major urban centres, regional hubs, and remote communities. Below are the key train routes and their typical schedules:
One of VIA Rail’s busiest routes, the Corridor links some of Canada’s most populated and historic cities. This route is ideal for both business and leisure travel, offering multiple departures daily and a smooth, comfortable ride through scenic parts of Ontario and Quebec.
Map of VIA Rail Corridor train route
A legendary cross-country train, The Canadian is the best way to see Canada’s vast landscapes. Travelling from Toronto through the Prairies and the Rocky Mountains before arriving in Vancouver, this four-day journey is a true bucket-list experience. Travellers can choose to do the whole journey or opt for a segment (e.g. Jasper to Vancouver) if they are short on time.
Route map of VIA Rail The Canadian train
This overnight train journey connects Quebec and the Maritimes, offering stunning countryside and coastal views and comfortable sleeper accommodations.
Route map of VIA Rail The Ocean train
While the Corridor and The Canadian are the most well-known VIA Rail routes, there are other services that connect Canada’s remote regions, providing vital transportation links and access to wildlife and adventure destinations.
VIA Rail schedules can be affected by various factors, including weather, track maintenance, and freight train traffic. These elements can impact departure and arrival times, so it’s important to check for updates before travel.
Canada’s cold winters and busy summer season both play a role in VIA Rail schedules.
To make the most of your train travel experience, follow these booking strategies:
Insider Tip: Book Early for Exclusive Train Travel Experiences
Speak to one of our local travel experts to find out what train experiences are available for your preferred dates! Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class on The Canadian tend to sell out far in advance, so it’s best to book early.
Katherine FoxcroftDirector of Product: Hotels, Tours and Excursions
At Canadian Train Vacations, our team of local travel experts specializes in crafting personalized train journeys that align seamlessly with VIA Rail schedules. Whether you’re planning a cross-country rail adventure, a scenic getaway through the Rockies, or a short intercity trip, we carefully coordinate train departures, accommodations, and excursions to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Our experts have first-hand knowledge of the routes, schedules, and seasonal variations, allowing us to optimize travel times, recommend ideal stopovers, and incorporate unique local experiences along the way.
From selecting the best train classes to arranging sightseeing experiences that account for train schedule changes, we take care of every detail so that you can relax and enjoy the journey. Whether you need extra nights in a destination, guided tours, or a seamless transfer to another city, we ensure that every element of your trip works in perfect harmony with VIA Rail timetables.
Delays are sometimes unavoidable. Here’s how to stay informed and adapt your plans:
1. Check Real-Time Updates
2. Travel Insurance Matters
Planning around a train’s timetable helps maximize comfort onboard. Here’s what to expect:
Understanding VIA Rail schedules is key to a stress-free, enjoyable train journey. Whether you're booking a quick weekend getaway or embarking on a cross-country adventure, staying informed about departure times, seasonal changes, and onboard amenities will help you make the most of your trip.
At Canadian Train Vacations, we specialize in crafting personalized train vacations that align seamlessly with VIA Rail’s timetables, ensuring a hassle-free, memorable travel experience.
Ready to explore Canada by train? Let our experts help you plan your perfect rail journey!
While VIA Rail provides accurate and regularly updated schedules, train departure and arrival times are subject to occasional changes due to weather conditions, track maintenance, and freight train traffic.
Because VIA Rail shares tracks with Canada’s freight rail system, there can sometimes be unexpected delays, especially on long-haul routes like The Canadian. Winter conditions can also affect scheduling, particularly in the Prairies and Rocky Mountains, where heavy snowfall and extreme temperatures can slow operations.
For the Corridor service between major cities, schedules tend to be very reliable, with multiple daily departures making it easy to adjust plans if needed.
Yes! VIA Rail provides real-time notifications to keep travellers informed about any schedule changes or delays. There are several ways to stay updated:
About the author: Athena McKenzie is the Content Manager at Fresh Tracks Canada. An experienced lifestyle journalist, she has written about travel, design, arts and entertainment. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Zoomer Magazine, Elle Canada and... Read more
Useful Links
Train Trip FinderWhere to go in CanadaJourneys Across CanadaCanadian Rockies and West CoastEastern Canada and The MaritimesCanadian North and ArcticSummer Train TripsWinter Train TripsFall Color Train TripsTours for SeniorsRoad Trips and Self DrivesFamily AdventuresVacations for Active SeniorsHistory and Culture TripsWildlife Viewing TripsExplore Canada
The Canadian TrainTrain Across CanadaCanadian Sleeper TrainLuxury Trains Across CanadaVIA Rail VacationsRocky Mountaineer Train ToursCanadian Rockies Train ToursTrain Tours for SeniorsCanadian Pacific RailwayBest Train Trips in CanadaNational Park Train ToursTrain Tours from VancouverCanadian Snow TrainAlaska Cruise and Train ToursCanadian East Coast Train ToursCanadian West Coast Train ToursPopular Train Trips
Vancouver to Toronto Train JourneyAcross Canada by TrainComplete Canadian Rockies by TrainCanadian Cross-Country JourneyClassic Eastern Canada by TrainTrans Canada Rainforest RouteCanadian Rockies Voyage by TrainCanada Coast to Coast by TrainRockies Winter Wonderland by TrainDiscover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies by TrainMontreal and Quebec City Getaway by TrainCanadian Cross-Country Journey in WinterLords of the Wilderness Bear ViewingTrans Canada by Train in WinterEssential Rockies with Alaska CruiseCanadian Train Vacations
© 2025 Fresh Tracks Canada
A VIA Rail schedule is a detailed timetable that outlines departure and arrival times, train frequencies, and key stops along each route. Whether planning a short city-to-city commute or an epic cross-country adventure, understanding these schedules is essential for smooth and enjoyable travel.
At Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada, we design personalized train trips that align with VIA Rail’s schedules, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Our local travel experts create trip itineraries that include activities, accommodations, transfers, and sightseeing stops, as well as the train journeys.
Below are examples of what VIA Rail train timetables might look like. Since timetables can change, it’s essential to check schedules in advance to ensure the best travel experience.
VIA Rail The Canadian schedule and VIA Rail The Ocean schedule are as follows:
Train departs Toronto on Wednesdays and Sundays
|
Day 1 |
Toronto, ON |
9:55am |
|
Day 2 |
Winnipeg, MB |
7:30pm-9:30pm |
|
Day 3 |
Saskatoon, SK |
9:50am-10:50am |
|
Edmonton, AB |
8:50pm-12am |
|
|
Day 4 |
Jasper, AB |
6:30am-9:30am |
|
Day 5 |
Vancouver, BC |
8am |
Train departs Vancouver on Mondays and Fridays
|
Day 1 |
Vancouver, BC |
3pm |
|
Day 2 |
Jasper, AB |
11am-12:30pm |
|
Edmonton, AB |
6:50pm-7:50pm |
|
|
Day 3 |
Saskatoon, SK |
6am-7am |
|
|
Winnipeg, MB |
10pm-11:30pm |
|
Day 5 |
Toronto, ON |
2:30pm |
Train departs Montreal on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
|
Day 1 |
Montreal, QC |
6:30pm |
|
Sainte-Foy, QC |
9:40pm-10:15pm | |
|
Day 2 |
Campbellton, NB |
7:30am |
|
Moncton, NB |
1:30pm-2pm | |
|
Halifax, NS |
6pm |
Train departs Halifax on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
|
Day 1 |
Halifax, NS |
11:30am |
|
Moncton, NB |
3:45pm | |
|
|
Campbellton, NB |
10pm-10:20pm |
|
Day 2 |
Sainte-Foy, QC |
6:10am-6:30am |
|
Montreal, QC |
9:50am |
The Corridor has multiple daily train departures. There are different trains that make up the Corridor network, meaning that a change of trains may be required on some journeys. The main cities and routes are listed below; however, these trains stop at many other towns and destinations along the way.
Ottawa – Montreal – Sainte Foy – Quebec
Quebec – Sainte Foy – Montreal – Ottawa
Montreal – Kingston – Toronto
Toronto – Kingston – Montreal
Toronto – Kingston – Ottawa
Ottawa – Kingston – Montreal
Toronto – London – Windsor
Windsor – London – Toronto
Toronto – London – Sarnia
Sarnia – London – Toronto
Insider Tip: Allow Extra Time for a Stress-Free Travel Experience
I recommend making sure you have lots of time between your train’s arrival/departure and any connecting flights, hotel check-ins, or tour activities — you’ll have a more relaxed trip if you don’t have to rush from one place to another.
Hannah Poaros-McDermottTravel Writer and Senior Content Coordinator
VIA Rail operates multiple routes across Canada, connecting major urban centres, regional hubs, and remote communities. Below are the key train routes and their typical schedules:
One of VIA Rail’s busiest routes, the Corridor links some of Canada’s most populated and historic cities. This route is ideal for both business and leisure travel, offering multiple departures daily and a smooth, comfortable ride through scenic parts of Ontario and Quebec.
Map of VIA Rail Corridor train route
A legendary cross-country train, The Canadian is the best way to see Canada’s vast landscapes. Travelling from Toronto through the Prairies and the Rocky Mountains before arriving in Vancouver, this four-day journey is a true bucket-list experience. Travellers can choose to do the whole journey or opt for a segment (e.g. Jasper to Vancouver) if they are short on time.
Route map of VIA Rail The Canadian train
This overnight train journey connects Quebec and the Maritimes, offering stunning countryside and coastal views and comfortable sleeper accommodations.
Route map of VIA Rail The Ocean train
While the Corridor and The Canadian are the most well-known VIA Rail routes, there are other services that connect Canada’s remote regions, providing vital transportation links and access to wildlife and adventure destinations.
VIA Rail schedules can be affected by various factors, including weather, track maintenance, and freight train traffic. These elements can impact departure and arrival times, so it’s important to check for updates before travel.
Canada’s cold winters and busy summer season both play a role in VIA Rail schedules.
To make the most of your train travel experience, follow these booking strategies:
Insider Tip: Book Early for Exclusive Train Travel Experiences
Speak to one of our local travel experts to find out what train experiences are available for your preferred dates! Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class on The Canadian tend to sell out far in advance, so it’s best to book early.
Katherine FoxcroftDirector of Product: Hotels, Tours and Excursions
At Canadian Train Vacations, our team of local travel experts specializes in crafting personalized train journeys that align seamlessly with VIA Rail schedules. Whether you’re planning a cross-country rail adventure, a scenic getaway through the Rockies, or a short intercity trip, we carefully coordinate train departures, accommodations, and excursions to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Our experts have first-hand knowledge of the routes, schedules, and seasonal variations, allowing us to optimize travel times, recommend ideal stopovers, and incorporate unique local experiences along the way.
From selecting the best train classes to arranging sightseeing experiences that account for train schedule changes, we take care of every detail so that you can relax and enjoy the journey. Whether you need extra nights in a destination, guided tours, or a seamless transfer to another city, we ensure that every element of your trip works in perfect harmony with VIA Rail timetables.
Delays are sometimes unavoidable. Here’s how to stay informed and adapt your plans:
1. Check Real-Time Updates
2. Travel Insurance Matters
Planning around a train’s timetable helps maximize comfort onboard. Here’s what to expect:
Understanding VIA Rail schedules is key to a stress-free, enjoyable train journey. Whether you're booking a quick weekend getaway or embarking on a cross-country adventure, staying informed about departure times, seasonal changes, and onboard amenities will help you make the most of your trip.
At Canadian Train Vacations, we specialize in crafting personalized train vacations that align seamlessly with VIA Rail’s timetables, ensuring a hassle-free, memorable travel experience.
Ready to explore Canada by train? Let our experts help you plan your perfect rail journey!
While VIA Rail provides accurate and regularly updated schedules, train departure and arrival times are subject to occasional changes due to weather conditions, track maintenance, and freight train traffic.
Because VIA Rail shares tracks with Canada’s freight rail system, there can sometimes be unexpected delays, especially on long-haul routes like The Canadian. Winter conditions can also affect scheduling, particularly in the Prairies and Rocky Mountains, where heavy snowfall and extreme temperatures can slow operations.
For the Corridor service between major cities, schedules tend to be very reliable, with multiple daily departures making it easy to adjust plans if needed.
Yes! VIA Rail provides real-time notifications to keep travellers informed about any schedule changes or delays. There are several ways to stay updated:
About the author: Athena McKenzie is the Content Manager at Fresh Tracks Canada. An experienced lifestyle journalist, she has written about travel, design, arts and entertainment. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Zoomer Magazine, Elle Canada and... Read more
Useful Links
Train Trip FinderWhere to go in CanadaJourneys Across CanadaCanadian Rockies and West CoastEastern Canada and The MaritimesCanadian North and ArcticSummer Train TripsWinter Train TripsFall Color Train TripsTours for SeniorsRoad Trips and Self DrivesFamily AdventuresVacations for Active SeniorsHistory and Culture TripsWildlife Viewing TripsExplore Canada
The Canadian TrainTrain Across CanadaCanadian Sleeper TrainLuxury Trains Across CanadaVIA Rail VacationsRocky Mountaineer Train ToursCanadian Rockies Train ToursTrain Tours for SeniorsCanadian Pacific RailwayBest Train Trips in CanadaNational Park Train ToursTrain Tours from VancouverCanadian Snow TrainAlaska Cruise and Train ToursCanadian East Coast Train ToursCanadian West Coast Train ToursPopular Train Trips
Vancouver to Toronto Train JourneyAcross Canada by TrainComplete Canadian Rockies by TrainCanadian Cross-Country JourneyClassic Eastern Canada by TrainTrans Canada Rainforest RouteCanadian Rockies Voyage by TrainCanada Coast to Coast by TrainRockies Winter Wonderland by TrainDiscover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies by TrainMontreal and Quebec City Getaway by TrainCanadian Cross-Country Journey in WinterLords of the Wilderness Bear ViewingTrans Canada by Train in WinterEssential Rockies with Alaska CruiseCanadian Train Vacations
© 2025 Fresh Tracks Canada
